Aesthetic Nurse Salary: What You Can Expect to Make in 2025

If you’re thinking about becoming an aesthetic nurse, or you’re already working in the field,you’re probably wondering how much you can expect to earn. The good news is that aesthetic nursing continues to grow, and so do the opportunities to make a great living. 

From Botox and IV therapy to laser treatments and skincare services, aesthetic nurses play a big role in helping clients feel confident and refreshed. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for ways to boost your income, we'll give you the insight you need to plan your career with confidence.

National Average Aesthetic Nurse Salary

Reports from Nurse.org found that the national average aesthetic nurse salary is just over $80,000 annually, while the median aesthetic nurse salary is around $86,000 each year. When you’re looking at how much you can expect to be making as an aesthetic nurse, looking at the median and average salaries will help you get a good idea of your earning potential. The median and average will tell you slightly different things:

• Median Aesthetic Nurse Salary: The median is the middle number in the lineup when all salaries are arranged from lowest to highest. The median will give you a more accurate picture of what a typical aesthetic nurse can expect to make since it’s not affected by outliers.

• Average Aesthetic Nurse Salary: The average aesthetic nurse salary is calculated by adding up the average salary of each state and dividing it by 50. The average will give you a general idea of aesthetic nurse earnings, but the salary can be skewed by particularly high or low average state salaries.

As far as the salary range for aesthetic nurses, those in the 25th percentile make $61,500 and the 75th percentile make $90,000. Aesthetic nurses in the top 10% make around $120,000. Of course, you’ll be able to get an even more accurate estimate of your earning potential if you look at your specific state and take into account the other factors that can influence aesthetic nurses' salaries.

Factors That Influence Aesthetic Nurses’ Salary

There are lots of different factors that go into determining how much you can make as an aesthetic nurse:

Years of Experience

A huge contributor to a higher salary as an aesthetic nurse is your experience level. The longer you’ve been working in medical aesthetics, the more you can expect to make. Entry-level aesthetic nurses should expect to make the lower end of the salary range. Expertise provides more value to both patients and employers, so if you have more experience in the field, employers are motivated to pay you more.

Location

One of the most influential factors on your salary as an aesthetic nurse is where you’re licensed and employed. There is a big range in average salaries between different states. In Washington, the average salary for an aesthetic nurse is $90,000, whereas the average salary in Utah is $73,122, according to ZipRecruiter.

Work Setting

Aesthetic nurses work in a variety of different settings, and each setting has a different average annual salary. Generally, dermatology nurses will make less on average than plastic surgery nurses. Aesthetic nurses who work in medical spas can expect to make a salary somewhere in between the two.

Extra Certifications

If you have extra certifications under your belt, there’s a chance that you’ll be qualified for a higher salary. Having certifications increases your credibility as an aesthetic nurse and shows employers and clients that you can perform more complicated procedures. The more complex the procedure is, the more expensive it is, so becoming certified and getting hands-on training with advanced treatments is a great way to boost your earning potential.

Getting your Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS) certificate is a great way to boost your credibility and earn more every year. Registered nurses and nurse practitioners who meet specific requirements set by the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board (PSNCB) are able to sit for the CANS exam to earn their certification.

Commissions and Bonuses

Commissions and bonuses are other factors that go into an aesthetic nurse’s annual salary. Lots of medspas and clinics will pay their aesthetic nurses commissions for procedures on top of their base hourly rate or salary. If you make a 10% commission on a $600 procedure, that’s an extra $60. Commission can add up super quickly if you’re a high performer. Med Spas and clinics will often have product lines they sell in office, and most will give their aesthetic nurses a percentage of the sale if clients make a purchase.

What Procedures Pay the Most?

As an aesthetic nurse, there are lots of different specialties you can learn. You can go the skincare route and offer chemical peels, microneedling, and laser treatments, or you can focus mainly on injectables. Some aesthetic nurses choose to offer both, but more often than not they’ll choose one or the other to prioritize.

The more complex the cosmetic procedure, the more expensive it will be. In the case of aesthetic nurses, being a nurse injector is the more lucrative of the two paths. Learning the ins and outs of Botox, dermal fillers, and facial threading is often more intricate than chemical peels and laser treatments, so nurses can charge more.

How Education Level Affects Salary

Your level of education will have an effect on your earning potential. The following are the average salaries of aesthetic nurses with different levels of education in California. This will help you get an idea of how salaries can range based on education:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): $75,000

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): $92,000

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): $125,000

• Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP): $225,000

Highest Paying Cities and States For Aesthetic Nurse Jobs

In cities and states with a high demand for cosmetic procedures and a larger population of wealthy people, the salary for aesthetic nurses is higher.

Highest Paying Cities

According to Indeed, the highest-paying cities for nurse injectors in the United States are:

• Dallas, TX

• Las Vegas, NV

• Scottsdale, AZ

• Chicago, IL

• Los Angeles, CA

• New York, NY

Highest Paying States

The United States has a wide range of aesthetic nurses annual salaries, and the states that have the highest average salaries are:

• Washington

• District of Columbia

• New York

• Massachusetts

• Alaska

• Vermont

Cost of Living vs Earnings

Even though some states and cities offer high salaries for aesthetic nurses, it’s important to think about how much it actually costs to live there. A big paycheck might not go as far in a place where housing, food, and other expenses are expensive. For example, California and New York have some of the highest living costs in the country. So even if nurses in those states make more money, they might not be able to save as much.

On the other hand, states like Texas and Florida have a lower cost of living. While aesthetic nurses in those states might earn a bit less each year, their money may stretch further because everyday expenses are lower. That can actually mean more money left over each month. To make the best choice, nurses should look at both salary and cost of living to find a location that offers real financial benefits.

The Future of the Medical Aesthetics Industry

The medical aesthetics industry is growing fast, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. More people than ever are looking for less risky ways to improve their appearance, and treatments like Botox, fillers, and laser services are becoming part of regular self-care routines. This growing demand means more job opportunities for aesthetic nurses in clinics, med spas, and even mobile services, like Modwella, that go directly to clients’ homes.

Technology is also improving, making treatments safer, faster, and more effective. That means nurses who stay up to date with training and certifications will have a big advantage. There’s also a growing focus on natural-looking results and personalized care, which makes skilled aesthetic nurses more valuable than ever.

Tips for Negotiating Your Salary as an Aesthetic Nurse

Talking about money can feel uncomfortable, but negotiating your salary is a normal and important part of your career. If you're an aesthetic nurse, knowing how to speak up for what you're worth can make a big difference in your income, especially as the industry grows and the demand for skilled nurses increases.

Do Your Research

Before you go into a salary conversation, look up the average pay for aesthetic nurses in your area. Think about your experience, certifications, and any special skills you have. If you’re certified in Botox, fillers, or laser treatments that’s great information to support your request for higher pay.

Speak with Confidence and Respect

When it’s time to talk, be confident but polite. Try saying something like: “Based on my experience and the value I bring, I was hoping we could discuss a salary closer to [amount].” This opens the door for a respectful conversation, not a demand.

Think Beyond Hourly Pay

Salary isn’t just about your base rate. You can also negotiate:

• Commission rates

• Bonuses

• Paid training or certifications

• Flexible scheduling

• Opportunities for promotion

• These extras can add up quickly and improve your overall income and job satisfaction.

Keep the Conversation Open

If your employer isn’t able to increase your pay right away, ask if you can check in again after 3 to 6 months based on your performance.

Apply With Modwella Today To Bring Your Aesthetics Career To the Next Level

Modwella is always on the lookout for skilled, passionate professionals who want more flexibility, more independence, and more earning potential. As a leading in-home health concierge service, we offer aesthetic nurses the chance to provide top-tier aesthetic injections to clients in the comfort of their homes.

At Modwella, we believe in supporting our team through ongoing training, hands-on experience, and a schedule that fits your lifestyle. Whether you're just getting started or looking for a change, we give you the tools to grow your client base and take control of your future in the aesthetics industry. If you’re ready to join a company that values your expertise and helps you thrive, explore career opportunities with Modwella.